John Scofield describes this CD as a 'real jazz' recording and says it was
a 'tremendous pleasure working with these master players.' He ends his comments
by stating ' It works for me".

As Scofield intimates this is a dream band assembled for the purpose of making
a record. It is argueably as good a group as could be put together from the
premier league of contemporary jazz musicians. Any alteration of personnel
would be purely a matter of personal preference.

The collective pedigree of the musicians featured here must cover every major
artist on the modern jazz scene from Ornette Coleman, to Miles Davis to Joe
Lovano and beyond.

Having said all of this I found the disc grew on me after several listenings.
It is not a 'hit them between the eyes' type of record which can often occur
on an All Star date.

The overall feeling is much more subtle and cerebral - not to say that there
are no moments of great excitement or tension. I think this gives the disc
a far more satisfying and lasting quality. There is obviously great mutual
respect and admiration amongst the participants.

The rhythm section is superb. Billy Higgins pins the whole together and there
are many occasions of note, viz the shifting meters [latin/rock to swing]
on the first track. This is all achieved in a seemingly effortless manner;
the easy swing on 'Not You Again' [surely a take on a well known standard!]
and many other slight pushes of direction throughout the record.

Christian McBride plays in a variety of styles from the funky line on 'Loose
Canon' to straight ahead swing.

Brad Mehldau is rapidly becoming one of the music's most absorbing pianists,
both as a soloist and as an accompanist - I particularly enjoyed his solo
moments on this recording.

Garrett and Scofield form an intriguing frontline. Their tight unison and
harmony work on 'Big J' are most impressive but the ensemble passage that
stands out for me is on 'Loose Canon' - Garrett plays a section using
multiphonics and is joined by Scofield playing harmonics which creates a
very unusual and interesting effect.

Kenny Garrett has developed into a rounded player - he could always 'burn'
as can be heard on some of the Bebop and outside passages on this disc but
he is also able to play very controlled logical solos as heard on 'Love You
Longtime'

John Scofield remains one of the finest contemporary guitarists with his
wonderful angular lines and almost vocalised tone. All of the compositions
here are his, apart from 'Freepie' which is a group effort.

Dick Stafford

Dick Stafford is a professional reed player and teacher living in
Coventry